Madonna Sam Smith
Share this @internewscast.com

Although it was rumored and teased for weeks before it was officially confirmed, it’s really not a surprise to see Madonna collaborating with Sam Smith: “Unholy,” the British singer’s hit with Kim Petras, was not only the most provocative song to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 since Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s “WAP,” it was exactly the kind of song that Madonna has released more than once in her career: intentionally controversial and boundary-pushing, both musically and thematically (“Unholy” is essentially about a family man having unsafe sex).

Thus, she was a perfect person to introduce Smith and Petras before they performed the song at the Grammys: “Are you ready for some controversy?” she began, before continuing, “If they call you shocking, scandalous, troublesome, problematic, provocative or dangerous, you are definitely onto something.”

The following day, the pair recorded “Vulgar” with much of the same team that made “Unholy”: producers by Ilya, Cirkut, Omer Fedi, Ryan Tedder, Jimmy Napes, Smith and Lauren D’elia, Madonna’s vocal producer and engineer.

While the song essentially continues the theme of her speech — one of Smith’s lyrics says, “You know you’re beautiful when they call you vulgar” — and has a Middle Eastern melody reminiscent of “Unholy,” otherwise it’s new terrain for both: They’re rapping the verses over a lurching rhythm, and Madonna’s self-referential lines are hilarious:

“Boy get down on your knees because I am Madonna
If you fuck with Sam tonight, you’re fucking with me
So watch what you say or I’ll split your banana.”

The song, which has whiffs of both Beyonce’s “Cozy” and, on Madonna’s verses, M.I.A., is Smith’s first since the release earlier this year of “Gloria,” their third album, which breaks the smooth-R&B mold of previous releases for something more adventurous and, for many, more satisfying. The North American leg of “Gloria the Tour” begins next month.

Last August, Madonna released a sprawling 50-track retrospective set titled “Finally Enough Love: 50 Number Ones” in advance of her global, hits-themed “Celebration” world tour, which launches in Vancouver next month. “Vulgar” is one of several guest appearances she’s made in recent weeks, including tracks with the Weeknd and Christine and the Queens.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Britney Spears' Fans Want Dogs Taken Away After Dangerous Knife Video

Britney Spears not only poses a serious danger to herself by dancing…

Natasha Henstridge (Actress) Wiki, Biography, Age, Boyfriends, Family, Facts and More.

Who is Natasha Henstridge? Natasha Henstridge is a famous Actress from Canada. She…

Why K-Romance Leaves Us Wanting for More: Hear From the Actors Themselves

Korean dramas, or K-dramas, have a mystical allure that captivates audiences all…

Shakira Accused of Tax Fraud in Spain: Inside 2nd Case

Shakira has been hit with a second tax fraud case in Spain…

‘DWTS’ Premiere Honors Len Goodman 5 Months After His Death

Len Goodman HGL/GC Images The season 32 premiere of Dancing With the…

Merciless and Ruthless ‘Ballerina’: Why the World is Buzzing for Its Busan Premiere

Ballerina, which makes its debut at the 28th Busan International Film Festival’s…

McKinley Richardson (TikTok Star) Wiki, Biography, Age, Boyfriend, Family, Facts, and Many More

Who is McKinley Richardson? McKinley Richardson is a famous TikTok Star and Social…

‘Dancing With the Stars’ Season 32 Premiere: Ariana Madix Leans Into Scandoval Drama, First Duo is Sent Home

SPOILER ALERT: This interview contains spoilers from the Season 32 premiere of “Dancing…

Gwen Stefani Steps Out Solo In THESE For First Time Without Blake Shelton!

Gwen Stefani has returned to “The Voice” but not without a sweet…

Kevin O'Leary Is 'Proud' That 'Shark Tank' Cast Him to Be a 'Real A-Hole'

Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary was poised to be one of the…

‘Love Is Blind’ Alum Nick Thompson Creates Petition Demanding Netflix Add Disclaimers To ‘Reality’ TV

Two “Love Is Blind” alums – Nick Thompson from season 2 and…

Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce Chaos Becomes Marketing Tool for Kansas City Businesses

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have turned Kansas City upside down ……